Visiting Sossusvlei in January is possible, but comes with some trade-offs in weather or sightings.
Weather in Sossusvlei in January
Average highs in January are around 34°C, dropping to about 16°C at night. It is mostly dry this month.
What happens in January
Summer middays are very hot; reach the dunes at dawn.
Experience quality this month is 2 out of 5, and visitor levels are quiet. This month falls within the best period to visit.
What to pack
- light cotton clothing, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water
- sunglasses and a scarf against blowing sand
Sossusvlei through the year
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| February | 16–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| March | 15–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 13–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| May | 10–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| June | 8–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 7–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 8–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 9–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 11–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 12–33 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 14–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
Other good choices in January
- Bwindi Uganda
- Ngorongoro Tanzania
- Serengeti Tanzania
- Volcanoes Rwanda
- Lake Nakuru Kenya
- Murchison Falls Uganda
Sossusvlei in DecemberBest safaris in JanuarySossusvlei in February
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Sossusvlei?
Visiting Sossusvlei in January is possible, but comes with some trade-offs in weather or sightings.
What is the weather like in Sossusvlei in January?
Highs around 34°C, mostly dry.
Is Sossusvlei busy in January?
Visitor levels in January are quiet.
Sources: Namibia Wildlife Resorts - Sossusvlei · Namibia Tourism Board - Namib-Naukluft Park · Weather and Climate - Sesriem · Weather2Travel - Sossusvlei climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.